The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Front axle

Is the front axle on a 1/2 or 3/4 ton the same on a 1.5 ton aside from the hubs? Found a drop axle for my 1.5 ton that i want to use to give it a little lower stance but not sure if the hubs will interchange. Want to make sure before i buy it.
thanks

Hy prather ranch, could you please tell us what year truck, and what year axle you are asking about. Could you tell us what the casting numbers are on the axles you're asking about?

truck year is a 1949 with stock axle. not sure on the casting #'s at the moment. Will have to get them.
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thanks

Short answer is probably not.

The restoration pack gives a number of dimensions for the axles. '49 Chevrolet Front Axle Specs.

The 1/2-ton axle is unique and most likely the dropped axle is for a 1/2-ton. The 1-1/2 ton axle varies a little depending on exactly what model you have.

But if the question is can you adapt the 1/2-ton axle to the bigger truck the answer is probably yes, though using the bigger hubs might be a challenge.

And unless you reduce weight on the truck substantially I'd be worried that using 1/2-ton brakes would be dangerous.

Another approach to consider is having your axle dropped. There are places that can do this and you may find one willing to take on your larger axle.

Thanks for the advice. I definately don't want to use 1/2ton brakes because of the weight. I'll probably just look into having the stock axle dropped to avoid any problems that may come up.
thanks

I swapped the front (and rear) axles on my 2 ton, which would work the same as your 1.5 ton.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bigbolts/p30swap/
The goal was to get disc brakes, with the axle swap came an obstacle (in my mind) of 2" more drop in the new axle. I had springs made with 2" of lift to correct for that.

If you wanted a "drop axle" for your 1.5 or 2 ton, and wanted disc brakes too, then you could do the same but keep the original springs. The bolt pattern on the new axles is the same as the old, hub diameter is larger but not a big problem.

Grigg